Best Canon Lenses for Car Photography: Top Picks for Stunning Shots

Car photography is a unique art form that requires a specific set of skills and equipment. One of the most critical pieces of gear for car photographers is the lens. Your lens choice can make or break the final image, and when it comes to Canon lenses, there are many options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the best Canon lenses for car photography. We’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various lenses to identify the ones that provide the best results. When it comes to car photography, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a lens. The most important factors to consider are focal length, aperture, and image stabilization.

Focal length determines the field of view of your lens, and for car photography, a wide-angle lens is typically the best choice. A wide-angle lens allows you to capture the entire car in the frame, which is essential for showcasing the car’s design and features. Aperture is also crucial, as a wider aperture allows more light into the lens, resulting in brighter images and better bokeh. Finally, image stabilization can help eliminate camera shake and produce sharper images.

In the next section, we’ll dive into the top Canon lenses for car photography, highlighting the features and benefits of each.

Best Canon Lenses for Car Photography

We understand that capturing the perfect shot of a car can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to selecting the right lens. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Canon lenses for car photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, our roundup includes lenses that are sure to meet your needs. From wide-angle lenses to telephoto lenses, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best Canon lenses for car photography.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile lens for car photography, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a great option.

Pros

• The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for sharper images with less motion blur and reduced need for flash in low light conditions.
• The 50mm focal length is great for portraits and can capture a similar perspective to the human eye.
• The near-silent STM technology allows for quick and smooth focusing, making it great for capturing fleeting moments and creating high-quality movies.

Cons

• The fixed focal length may not be ideal for all types of car photography, such as capturing wider shots of the car’s exterior.
• The build quality may not be as robust as more expensive lenses.
• The maximum magnification of 0.21x may not be sufficient for capturing fine details.

In our experience, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a reliable and versatile lens that can produce high-quality images and videos. The wide aperture allows for great performance in low light conditions, and the near-silent focusing is a great feature for capturing candid moments or filming videos. However, the fixed focal length may not be ideal for all types of car photography, and the build quality may not be as robust as more expensive lenses. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and versatile lens for car photography, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is definitely worth considering.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens

If you’re looking for an affordable telephoto zoom lens to capture far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is an excellent choice. It is compatible with Canon SLR cameras and shares the same 13-element optical system as the 75-300mm USM lens, but uses a DC motor for autofocus.

Pros

• The lens is excellent for subjects from portraits to wildlife and nature.
• It has a 4.9-foot closest focusing distance and is compatible with the Canon 58mm Close-up lens 500D for even more spectacular shots of small objects.
• The lens is lightweight, compact, and affordable.

Cons

• The lens lacks image stabilization, making it more challenging to shoot in low light conditions.
• The lens is not as sharp as some of the more expensive Canon lenses.
• The lens is prone to chromatic aberration, which can be corrected through post-processing.

We’ve used the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for various photography projects, and it has delivered excellent results. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around, and the zooming mechanism is smooth. However, the lens lacks image stabilization, making it more challenging to shoot in low light conditions. The lens is not as sharp as some of the more expensive Canon lenses, but it still delivers decent results. We’ve noticed some chromatic aberration in our photos, but it can be corrected through post-processing.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable telephoto zoom lens that delivers decent results, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a lens with image stabilization and sharper results, you might want to consider some of the more expensive Canon lenses.

Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens

If you are looking for an affordable and reliable lens for car photography, the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is a great option.

Pros

• The large aperture with a pleasing bokeh quality enhances shallow depth of field images, making it perfect for car photography.
• The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
• The lens is compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS cameras, including popular models like the Rebel T7 and 80D.

Cons

• The lens requires complete manual focus operation, which may not be suitable for SLR beginners.
• The lens has no electronic contacts, so your camera will not detect the lens when mounted. You will need to switch to M MODE to use this lens correctly.
• The lens cap is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.

We were impressed by the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens during our testing. The large aperture and pleasing bokeh quality made it perfect for capturing stunning car photos with beautiful background blur. The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.

However, the lens requires complete manual focus operation, which may not be suitable for SLR beginners. You will need to have excellent experience in equipment to use this lens effectively. Additionally, the lens has no electronic contacts, so your camera will not detect the lens when mounted. You will need to switch to M MODE to use this lens correctly. Finally, the lens cap is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.

Overall, we recommend the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens for car photography enthusiasts looking for an affordable and reliable lens.

High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS 80D, EOS 90D, Rebel T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7, T7I, T8I, SL3, EOS 70D, EOS 5D, EOS5D IV, EOS 6D II, EOS 7D II SLR Cameras

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly telephoto lens that doubles as a telescope, the High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens by Big Mike’s is a great choice.

Pros

• This lens is versatile and can be used for both sports and wildlife photography, as well as astrophotography.
• The 2X teleconverter doubles the lens power to a whooping 1600mm, making it perfect for capturing distant landscapes or celestial wonders.
• The manual focus gives you total control over your images, allowing you to capture intricately detailed photos.

Cons

• The f/8.3 aperture can be limiting in low light conditions.
• The lens lacks image stabilization, making it difficult to capture sharp images without a tripod.
• The lens is quite heavy and can be difficult to handle for extended periods of time.

We tested this lens on a Canon Rebel T6i and were impressed with the results. The lens was easy to attach to the camera and had a solid build quality. We were able to capture detailed photos of distant landscapes and wildlife, and even got some decent shots of the moon.

However, we did notice that the f/8.3 aperture made it difficult to capture sharp images in low light conditions. Additionally, the lack of image stabilization made it challenging to capture sharp images without a tripod.

Overall, the High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly telephoto lens that doubles as a telescope. While it may not be the best option for low light conditions or handheld shooting, it’s a versatile lens that can capture detailed photos of distant subjects.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens Lens Only

If you’re looking for a versatile and lightweight lens that’s perfect for car photography, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The slim and lightweight design of this lens makes it easy to carry around and use on-the-go.
• The advanced AF and superior optics ensure that your photos are sharp and detailed, even in low light conditions.
• The wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the car and its surroundings in a single shot.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the lens is not as durable as they would like.
• The fixed focal length may limit your ability to capture certain types of shots.
• The lens is not compatible with full-frame cameras.

If you’re looking for a lens that can help you capture stunning photos of cars, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is definitely worth considering. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and the advanced AF and superior optics ensure that your photos are sharp and detailed, even in low light conditions. Plus, the wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the car and its surroundings in a single shot.

One thing to keep in mind is that the fixed focal length may limit your ability to capture certain types of shots. Additionally, some users have reported that the lens is not as durable as they would like. However, overall, we believe that the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their car photography to the next level.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile and lightweight lens that can help you capture stunning photos of cars, we highly recommend the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens. With its advanced AF, superior optics, and wide-angle lens, it’s the perfect tool for any car photography enthusiast.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best Canon lens for car photography, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend looking at the following factors to help you make an informed decision:

Aperture

The aperture of a lens refers to the size of the opening that allows light to pass through to the camera sensor. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and more detailed images. This is particularly important for car photography, where you may be shooting in low light conditions or trying to capture fast-moving subjects. Look for lenses with wide apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/2.8.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens determines its magnification and field of view. For car photography, a medium to long focal length is often preferred to capture the full car or specific details. A zoom lens can be useful for adjusting the focal length on the fly, but prime lenses often offer better image quality. Consider lenses with focal lengths between 50mm and 200mm.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is a feature that helps reduce camera shake and blur in images. This can be especially helpful when shooting handheld or in low light conditions. Look for lenses with built-in image stabilization, such as Canon’s Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.

Lens Coatings

Lens coatings can affect the quality of your images by reducing glare, reflections, and other unwanted artifacts. Look for lenses with advanced coatings, such as Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, to help improve image clarity and contrast.

Build Quality

A lens’s build quality can impact its durability and reliability over time. Look for lenses with weather-sealed construction and solid build materials to ensure they can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best Canon lens for car photography that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Canon lens is recommended for shooting professional car photography?

When it comes to professional car photography, the recommended Canon lenses are wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, and macro lenses. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the entire car and its surroundings, while telephoto lenses are great for compressing the background and making the car stand out. Macro lenses are perfect for capturing the details of the car’s design and texture.

Can you use a 50mm prime lens effectively for photographing cars?

While a 50mm prime lens is not typically recommended for car photography, it can still be used effectively for certain shots. The 50mm lens is great for capturing detail shots of the car’s interior or exterior design, but it may not be wide enough to capture the entire car in one shot.

Which Canon lens should one choose for capturing dynamic car videos?

For capturing dynamic car videos, a Canon lens with image stabilization and a wide aperture is recommended. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is a great option for capturing smooth and steady video footage of cars in motion.

How suitable is an 18-55mm lens for automotive photography?

An 18-55mm lens can be suitable for automotive photography, especially for beginners. This lens is versatile and can capture both wide-angle shots and detail shots. However, it may not be ideal for capturing the entire car in one shot or for capturing the car’s details up close.

What are the ideal lens settings to use when taking pictures of cars?

The ideal lens settings for taking pictures of cars depend on the type of shot you want to capture. For wide-angle shots, use a wide aperture and a low ISO. For detail shots, use a narrow aperture and a higher ISO. For shots of cars in motion, use a fast shutter speed and a wide aperture.

Are there specific Canon prime lenses that are preferred for car photography?

There are several Canon prime lenses that are preferred for car photography, including the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. These lenses are great for capturing detail shots of the car’s design and texture.